Heads were nodding in agreement.

‘Also, I hope I’m wrong, but I suspect someone is going to pay for this mistake, so we need to bear that in mind too. Plus, of course, we still have a dead woman who we haven’t identified, and still don’t know if she has anyone at home who might be relying on her. Sophie Williams’ mother has turned up, so it’s not her.’

Dan peered at the image of Rosa’s shop. ‘Speaking of risks, what’s the likelihood of the arsonists torching Rosa’s place now?’

‘I’ve been thinking about this. It’s hard to gauge. I’ve compiled a list of reasons why Rosa’s shop may still be in danger, and reasons why the arsonists may have abandoned the idea. I’d value your input and Jackie and I will make a decision.’ I took the cap off a board marker. ‘Why might they may skip the newsagent’s now?’

‘If it was a contract job, they may have to pay for a second hit, and may not want to or have the money,’ Dan said.

‘Yup.’ I wrote it on the board.

‘And returning to the scene of the crime will increase their risk of getting caught.’

‘Thanks, Alexej. Any more?’

The room was quiet.

‘Reasons why they may still target Rosa’s newsagent’s?’

‘Whatever the motive was, it still exists.’ Shen spoke with conviction. ‘Going back to what Dan said, whoever wanted it done may be putting the arsonists under pressure. Plus, whoever torched the soup shop may not have been paid and may need to hit the right target to get their cash.’

‘Yes. This is my fear. Whoever issued the instructions is likely to be furious, and may use the mistake as a reason to get out of coughing up. It’s what makes me suspect that whoever made the cock-up is going to pay. Quite possibly with their life.’

‘I’d echo that,’ Jackie chipped in from the back of the room. ‘I’ve seen this happen many times. These people are ruthless, even towards their own. They have no loyalties. You screw up, you’re dead. It’s as simple as that.’

‘It also means that Rosa’s place could still be at risk.’ I surveyed the room. ‘We don’t have the resources to put an officer outside her place twenty-four-seven, but we have a duty of care towards her. There’s no way we’ll persuade her to shift, so I’ll take her through the warning procedures.’